Entrepreneurial seniors. Inspiring initiatives in Spain, Finland, Slovakia and Portugal

Abstract

Social entrepreneurship in older people is of great importance in view of the ageing population and the need to promote active ageing. In this paper, we have carried out a case study to analyse the main aspects that may be of interest to an older person who is considering setting up his or her own business in the field of the social economy. In this way, four cases of interest have been interviewed in Spain, Slovakia, Finland and Portugal belonging to different areas of the economy (livestock, construction, home care, crafts), but with the common link of representing good examples in the field of social economy by investing part of the profits or focusing the essence of the company in the local community where they are established. The results of this analysis are based on their main motivations and needs, concerns and threats, as well as the impact of the recent Covid-19 pandemic crisis on their businesses.